Yankees GM Brian Cashman expects to make trades as deadline nears

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman believes the team will be active at the Trade Deadline.(AP)

With the Trade Deadline six weeks away and the New York Yankees biting at the Toronto Blue Jays' heels in the American League East, possible roster moves will almost assuredly be made, says general manager Brian Cashman.

"Usually when everybody's bunched together, it constrains the ability [to complete trades]," Cashman told the New York Post. We usually make moves every year, so I expect to make moves … I feel that we do have the ability to make trades if that's a route we so choose. How we line up with other clubs, I don't know … but I definitely have people that are wanted within the industry. But we want those guys, too. We'll see."

Looking at the possible needs for the Yankees, one possibility at the forefront would be a starting pitcher. With Ivan Nova out for the season after receiving Tommy John surgery and Yankees ace CC Sabathia (knee discomfort) and right-hander Michael Pineda (strained back muscle) both out until at least mid-July, the Yankees may look to strengthen the starting rotation. Chicago Cubs pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel have been rumored to be on the Yankees' radar.

The Yankees could also be interested in adding another bat to the lineup to make up for the struggling Alfonso Soriano. One name that has recently surfaced is the Phillies' John Mayberry Jr.

In a year where so many MLB teams are in the early hunt for the playoffs, many teams will be looking to make an upgrade. Time will tell what Cashman has planned, but if his comments are any indication of what's to come, we can expect some new faces in the Bronx.